Prince Harry Alleges Daily Mail Caused ‘Absolute Misery’ to Meghan Markle in Privacy Lawsuit
A landmark privacy lawsuit brought by prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants against Associated Newspapers Ltd. took a deeply emotional turn as the Duke of Sussex testified he felt compelled to take a stand against the press, alleging they had made his wife, Meghan Markle’s, life “an absolute misery.” The case centers on allegations of unlawful data gathering spanning from the early 1990s to the 2010s, with plaintiffs including singer Elton John and actress Elizabeth hurley.
The duke of Sussex, 41, delivered a combative response during questioning by Andrew White, the attorney representing Associated Newspapers, becoming visibly upset as he discussed the impact of the press on his and Meghan’s lives.”It is a horrible experience and the worst of it is that by sitting up here and taking a stand against them … they continue to come after me,” Prince harry stated.He added,with visible emotion,”It is indeed a horrible experience and the worst of it is that by sitting up here and taking a stand against them … they continue to come after me.” He then choked back tears as he reiterated the toll the press had taken on his wife.
Earlier in the proceedings, Prince harry firmly rejected suggestions from White that his social circle was “leaky,” providing information to the papers. “For the avoidance of doubt, I am not friends with any of these journalists and I never have been,” he asserted during what were described as “tetchy exchanges.” He maintained that his private life was not compromised by loose-lipped associates.
The prince’s frustration led to an intervention from Justice Matthew Nicklin, who reminded him he was not required to argue the case himself. “You don’t have to bear the burden of arguing the case today,” the judge stated.
Attorney David Sherborne, representing the claimants, outlined the core allegation: that Associated Newspapers engaged in a “clear, systematic and sustained use of unlawful information gathering” over two decades. prince Harry, in a 23-page witness statement, described feeling “paranoid beyond belief” due to the intrusion into his early life by the Mail and mail on Sunday.
Under the English civil court system, witnesses are promptly cross-examined after affirming the truthfulness of their written testimony. Prince Harry, dressed in a dark suit and holding a Bible, swore to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” before London’s High Court.
The line of questioning from White focused on determining whether the sourcing of articles stemmed from royal correspondents at official events or from the claimants’ personal connections. White acknowledged his intent to avoid a negative experience for Prince Harry,stating,”I am intent on you not having a bad experience with me,but it is my job to ask you these questions.”
prince Harry suggested potential methods of information gathering included phone tapping and the use of private investigators. He also criticized former mail on Sunday royal editor katie Nicholl for utilizing “unidentified sources” that he believes concealed unlawful investigative practices. “If you complain, they double down on you in my experience,” he explained, referencing his past reluctance to publicly challenge the articles.
The Duke of Sussex acknowledged a long-standing “uneasy” relationship with the media, historically adhering to the royal family’s policy of “never complain, never explain.” Though, he indicated that persistent and, at times, racist attacks on Meghan Markle ultimately drove their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States in 2020. He described the press coverage as “vicious persistent attacks” and “harassment.”
This legal battle marks prince Harry’s second time testifying in court against a British tabloid publisher,following a similar case against the publisher of the Daily Mirror in 2023 – a historic moment as the first senior royal to testify in court in over a century. News Group Newspapers has previously expressed regret for intruding into the life of Princess Diana, particularly during Prince Harry’s youth.
The trial is expected to last nine weeks, with a written verdict anticipated months later. This case represents a notable moment in Prince Harry’s ongoing mission to reform the British media landscape, a mission he has linked to the tragic death of his mother, Princess diana, in 1997.
